Inside This House

Chapter 19 The sunlight peeking around the edges of the drawn blinds told Carson they'd slept later than usual, even for a Sunday. It was too bright, especially for November and the rain from the night before. After surveying the wall in sleep-addled thought, she closed her eyes, content to see if they could set a new record. They'd switched places during the night, her head now pillowed against Kennedy's shoulder. Her eyes popped open again as she realized her hand was nestled in a warm, wet place, tucked between Kennedy's legs. "Umm," she made the slightest puzzled sound and turning her arm, she started to withdraw it to a safer place, when Kennedy's hand closed over hers. "Leave it," Kennedy's morning-deep voice rasped. "You're awake? I -- um -- did we?" Carson tilted her head, looking up at two smoky blue eyes. "A dozen different ways," Kennedy nodded gravely. "Huh?" Carson grasped for memory. "Please tell me I'm not so out of it that I can't remember -- " "In my head," Kennedy finished. "But you're all --" Carson wiggled her hand slightly, feeling Kennedy's thighs squeeze and release it in response. "Wet." "I should think so." Kennedy stroked Caron's bare behind. "Woke up an hour ago like this and been thinking of ways to ravish you ever since. My arm's asleep, though." "Oops. Sorry." Carson shifted, removing her weight from Kennedy's biceps. "Want me to rub it?" "I can think of other places I'd rather have rubbed." Kennedy pressed Carson's hand more firmly against her. "Oh, you can, can you?" Carson rose and eased over her partner, taking in dark, rich skin and a sweet, musky scent. Her nostrils flared and her own body came to life as her eyes met Kennedy's, which were alive with passion, silently begging for Carson's touch. Not breaking her gaze until the very last minute, Carson slid down, planting kisses under Kennedy's chin and licking her way across a collarbone until she wrapped her lips around a rather sensitive body part. "This one of 'em?" She murmured around her prize. "Errmmpph." Kennedy jumped at the sudden contact, then groaned as her body quickly reacted. "What was that?" Carson moved to the other nipple. "I couldn't quite understand you. Oooo." She was suddenly flipped onto her back, as Kennedy's hands wandered all over her, playing against her suddenly warm skin. "On second thought, I'd rather rub you." Kennedy made good on it, pressing her body against Carson and gliding slowly upward until they were belly to belly. "God, you feel good." Carson's entire body thrummed in response, Kennedy's skin like soft chamois against her own, in pleasant contrast to the pressure of their stomach muscles against each other. "Mmmmm." As Kennedy nuzzled her neck, Carson took the opportunity to nibble on an earlobe, chuckling as she heard a gurgle of pleasure in response. Reaching around, she grasped Kennedy's backside, pulling her close as she raised her knee, pressing her thigh between Kennedy's legs. "I know you like mine." Carson pressed the earlobe between her lips, then flicked it with her tongue. "But you have a mighty fine ass yourself, stud." She gave both butt cheeks a squeeze, enjoying both the sensation of the fullness in her hands and the little noises Kennedy was making, humming against Caron's skin. Massaging the firm globes, she pressed her leg more solidly against Kennedy. "It's all yours," Kennedy groaned. She rose up, just enough to find Carson's lips, and covered them with her own, her mouth hungrily devouring Carson's. Not breaking their kiss, she nudged Carson's legs apart until her thigh was planted firmly between them, returning the favor. "How about --" she ground herself against Carson's leg, at the same time grinding her leg against Carson. "-- we do this together?" "Ahhhhh." Carson arched her back, biting her lower lip and closing her eyes. There was nothing in the world at that moment but their joined bodies, the air against her sides cool and Kennedy's body incredibly warm, her wetness coating Carson's leg and her heady scent invading Carson's lungs. "Yeah," she gasped. "Let's do that." Kennedy laughed, a deep rumble that bubbled up from her chest, and she rose up on her hands, bracing her arms as she began a slow roll of her body against Carson's, repeating her actions as they gradually increased their pace. Carson vaguely felt Kennedy's hand slip between them for a moment, spreading Carson more fully-open and increasing the contact. "Open your eyes." Kennedy traced Carson's eyebrows with her thumb. "Ugghh." Carson forced her eyes open and smiled, seeing a sexy, half-lidded smile mirrored back at her. They needed this, their bodies working in harmony to please each other, all the cares of the world forgotten in favor of the playful, pleasure-filled exchange. She slid one hand around to Kennedy's hip, guiding her as Kennedy rode her leg, feeling Kennedy's muscles in her hand, her body like a wild, unleashed thing above Carson. With her other hand, she firmly stroked Kennedy's back from her behind all the way up and around until she grasped a breast, tweaking a nipple in the process. It hardened between her fingers and her own body reacted in sympathy, tingling all the way down to her toes and several nice places along the way. "Not gonna last long." Kennedy's breath was already coming in the short, quick pants that usually preceded her orgasms. "Been thinking about it for too long. Oh, sweet Jesus." She threw her head back, licking her parted lips. She was beautiful, completely uninhibited in her passion, a slight sheen of sweat covering her undulating body. Carson's taste buds longed for a sample of the salty, sweet skin and she turned her head, taking a few quick licks at Kennedy's arm braced next to her. She could see Kennedy's bunched forearm muscles moving in time to the rocking, rolling motion of Kennedy's body. "Gorgeous," Carson murmured, and pressed her leg up more firmly, both hands on Kennedy's hips. Flexing her thigh muscle, she rode it out, feeling Kennedy's wet warmth against her skin. She placed the flat of one hand against Kennedy's stomach, feeling it contract over and over again as Kennedy released a litany of unintelligible words. It was music to Carson's ears, her heart understanding every syllable, her body in complete sympathy. She felt Kennedy lift and shift, and then a firm hand trailed up Carson's inner thigh. Carson immediately melted into the touch, her body longing for something more intimate as she made room for her lover, inviting her in, body and soul. "Mmmmm. Nice," Kennedy purred as she explored, slipping inside Carson with ease. "Oh, god," Carson gasped, wrapping both arms around Kennedy, welcoming the fullness and the close connection they shared. "I've missed this." "You have no idea." Kennedy buried her face against the side of Carson's neck, putting her entire body into the steady, strong stroking motions, touching Carson deeply. "I could crawl inside you right now." She dipped her head lower, paying homage to Carson's breasts, feasting on first one and then the other. Carson felt every teasing bit of attention rippling through her, settling more intensely between her legs. Kennedy paused in the middle of a prolonged love-bite and looked up. "How low is the neckline on your dress for Tuesday night?" "Oh, lord," Carson groaned at the sudden loss of pressure. "I'll switch to something else if I have to. Just don't stop!" Kennedy chuckled and resumed her handiwork. "Come on, babe." She stroked Carson deeply and smoothly. "Come on." She nibbled at Carson's neck, this time careful to leave no marks. "Come on," her lips pressed against Carson's ear. "Feels so good inside you. That's it, baby. Let go." There was nothing left but Kennedy's touch and an intense, craving need. "Ahhhhh," Carson's middle tightened and twisted, rolling over and over again in her release, her body arching up as Kennedy continued to pleasure her. She was breathing hard, both hands clutching at Kennedy's back, holding on tightly as her brain cells slowly reformed from a long overdue meltdown. With eyes closed, she felt Kennedy moving again, this time sliding upward, as she placed gentle kisses along Carson's torso and reached her lips, savoring them for a long moment before she buried her face against Carson's neck. "God," Carson finally gasped, running her hands up and down Kennedy's body, which was collapsed against her. "I should get off you before I squish you," Kennedy's lips vibrated against Carson's shoulder. "No." Carson wrapped one arm across Kennedy's lower back, lightly massaging her upper back with the other hand. "I love this." She ran a foot along the back of Kennedy's leg. "I love your weight against me." "Mmmm," and I love feeling you. "You're giving my stomach a wet kiss." Kennedy shimmied a little, pressing her belly against Carson, then looked up, laughing lightly at the pale pink dusting across Carson's cheeks. "I love that," she whispered, rubbing noses with Carson. Rolling to her side, she slid off Carson and pressed herself against her, one long leg tossed across Carson's hips, holding her in place. "I'm getting a wet kiss on my hip," Carson retorted. She shifted to her own side, facing Kennedy, their legs still tangled together. Kennedy's eyes were glowing, her expression one of complete satisfaction. Carson moved closer, nose-to-nose, taking her time in a slow exploration of Kennedy's lips. "I can feel you inside," she murmured. "Not like your fingers inside. I can feel you inside of me. All of you. It's like you're in my chest, and my gut, and all the way down my legs. Like you're all over me. I guess that sounds crazy." "No, not at all." Kennedy reached over, stroking Carson's cheek. She lifted Carson's hand and pressed the fingers against her own lips, kissing each one. "My scent is all over you." She pressed her fingers against Carson's lips. "And yours is all over me." Licking her lips, she drew in a slow, contented breath. "Sometimes, when we make love in the morning, even after we shower, I still carry that around with me. I'll be at my desk and for one reason or another raise my hand up near my face and all of a sudden there you are, and then I'm back here with you. Sends my thoughts skidding right off track." She smiled. "I love that." "I thought it was just me." Carson's blush deepened. "I do the same thing." Kennedy bit her own lower lip, her fingers gently tracing all the contours of Carson's face. "You're so beautiful. For so long, peace eluded me. I kept working so hard, purifying myself, avoiding all the things that had made me miserable for so long, but something was always missing. Then you came along and that was all it took. I was so restless, Carson. I don't feel that way anymore." Carson leaned in, kissing Kennedy's forehead, then each closed eyelid. Slowly, she drew Kennedy into her arms, holding her in a loose embrace with her long hair spilling across Carson's chest. "Was being a vegetarian part of that search?" "About that." Kennedy traced a wide circle around a soft, firm breast, careful not to tease with her touch. "Everything was a part of that search. The meditation and running for miles without stopping. It was like I was trying to purge myself." "Because of Angela?" Carson asked quietly. "That was part of it, yes." Kennedy's hand trailed lower, rubbing Carson's stomach. "But there was more to it. Everything came crashing down on me. My past. The drugs. How much I hurt my family. The work I did in Houston made me wealthy, so on that level, I'm grateful for it, but it was empty and greedy. I felt like nothing in my life had any meaning." She placed a soft kiss to Carson's chest, her fingers trailing along her upper thigh. "Sounds like you were trying to beat all of that out of yourself," Carson commented softly. "I was. I realized everything that had brought me pleasure in the past -- none of it held its glitter anymore. I thought maybe after all I had done, that I didn't deserve to be happy." She shifted until they were face-to-face, Carson's soft, sorrowful eyes very close to her own. "Oh, honey." Carson searched her face. "You're the kindest, most decent person I know. I hate that you ever felt that way." "That's just it. I don't. Not anymore." Kennedy smiled. "When I met you, for a long time, I felt like I was holding my breath, waiting to see if it would end." "You've got me for life, babe." Carson cupped Kennedy's face in her hand. "I'm not going anywhere." "I know. I finally let myself believe that. You were my miracle, Carson. I'm tired of fighting myself." Kennedy pursed her lips inward, her brows furrowed. "And I'm tired of pushing so hard, and denying myself so many things." "So no more vegetarian?" Carson traced Kennedy's lips wither thumb. "Just like that?" "No, I think I’m going to stick to veggies, most of the time. The way I eat is healthy, and it keeps me energized." Kennedy kissed Carson's thumb and grasped it in her own hand. "It's not like I want to start eating steak everyday or anything like that. I just want to give myself permission to skip running every now and then, or enjoy myself if our friends have us over for a cook-out, without them feeling like they have to make special arrangements for me. I’d like to drink a glass of wine sometimes when we're out. You offering to be designated driver last night, that was such a nice gift."

"I don't mind switching out with you." Carson smiled. "It was good to see you relax and enjoy your dessert." "That's what I mean." Kennedy trailed her hand back and forth across the curve of Carson's hip. "I finally found peace. I'd like to try enjoying life with you, and I think I'd like to try moderation for a while, instead of complete denial." "Well, I think you've already got a good start," Carson drawled. "I can think of a few areas of life where you've left denial in the dust." She grinned knowingly. "Hmmmm." Kennedy's fingertips tripped along a firm thigh as she leaned closer, nuzzling Carson's breast. "You think?" She wrapped her hand around Carson's calf, pulling it around her own body and drawing Carson closer. "Mmm-hmmm." Carson pulled her into her arms once more, feeling Kennedy's warm laugh vibrate against her all along the length of their bodies. She joined in as they came together once more on a lazy, loving Sunday morning. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Oh, my friggin' lord." Carson dabbed at her brow with a handkerchief, and tucked it back into her overalls pocket. "Who ordered up the November heat wave?" She gave Storm and Missy scratches to their noses, and led both back into the barn, which was blessedly cool, settling both horses in their stalls with buckets of fresh oats. Alexis was on her way back to the house after a long weekend of camping out in the University library to write a research paper, and, Carson suspected, some much-needed time with her now-steady boyfriend, who lived in some apartments just off campus. Looking around the barn, she smiled, taking in the scent of fresh hay, polished leather, and horseflesh. She'd taken Monday through Wednesday off work for the election, and the big night was upon them. It had been nice, just hanging out at home and caring for the animals, especially getting into the corral and exercising both horses in her newly-acquired barrel-racing skills. She was a novice, with no thoughts of actual competition, but Missy and Storm were veterans, and it was fun to put the well-practiced horses through their paces. Kennedy, of course, had good intentions of taking the time off with her, but as luck would have it, one crises after another had arisen with some of her pro bono clients, and she'd spent a good deal of time at the Travis County Courthouse ironing out problems and attending unplanned hearings and meetings with various social service agencies. She was also on her way home to change clothes and then return with Carson to the Driskill Hotel in downtown Austin to await election results. Several other Democratic nominees would be joining them in the ballroom. Kennedy and Carson had decided, early on, to get a room, even if they ended up going home. It would be nice to have a place to escape to from time to time, if needed. What they hadn't counted on was temperatures in the upper nineties, rare, but not unheard of in Austin in early November. "They always say if you don't like the weather in Texas, just wait a few minutes," she muttered. Both women had retired to the swimming pool each evening, glad for a reprieve from heat they were accustomed to in summer, but not in mid-autumn. It had altered her plans for evening wear, though Kennedy was sticking firmly to wearing her gun-metal gray pinstripe suit with a silver-toned silk blouse. Carson loved the outfit; it brought out Kennedy's blue eyes and the cool silver contrasted nicely with her rich, warm skin tone. But silk and even light wool in the heat -- "ick" -- Carson wrinkled her nose. Her cell phone rang and she retrieved it from her pocket, glancing at the caller ID. "Quiero besarle por todas partes. How's my Spanish?" Carson purred. "Um -- " Kennedy's thoughts obviously derailed and she paused. "Babe, I'm driving. But yes, I would love for you to kiss me all over." "Oops. Sorry. Don't want to distract you." Carson meandered outside and toward the pool house, ducking in just long enough to retrieve a cold Dr Pepper from the mini-fridge they kept there. "You can distract me anytime, especially after the phone call I just got." "Oh?" Something tugged at Carson's mind and she struggled with it, then shelved it for later. "What's up?" "The sheriff just called. Those kids that broke into the house -- they weren't hired by Sanderson, they were hired by his nephew, Michael Gilliland, the one who's in law school at The University." "Oh, my god." Carson popped the top on the moist aluminum can and drank down half its contents. "Sanderson wasn't in on it?" "No. Seems junior is up to more tricks on behalf of his uncle, but the sheriff says best as he can tell, he was acting without Sanderson's knowledge or direction. The two kids were released to their parents on bail, but they finally had full-blown meetings with them and their attorneys yesterday afternoon, to take formal sworn statements. From what the sheriff said, Gilliland and some young Republican group on campus ran polls and determined I was going to win, and he decided to try to plant those devices in the house to dig up last-minute dirt." "You think that's all there is to it?" Carson kicked off her boots and sat down on the pool steps, dipping her feet into the water, wriggling her toes at the blessed coolness. "Who knows? I'm inclined to believe them. I do think even Sanderson wouldn't pull such a stupid trick this close to the election, and he has resources to where he could have hired professionals, not some wannabe student hacks." "Even if Sanderson wasn't involved, pretty bad timing in terms of tonight's news, with the election and all" Carson commented. "It won't hit the news until tomorrow. They talked to Gilliland and Roy this morning and out of respect for Roy and to keep the election fair, they aren't going to formally take the nephew into custody until late tonight, after the polls close. He's expected to quietly turn himself in, but Roy already promised to escort him to the sheriff's office tomorrow morning if he doesn't show up before then, so it's a done deal." "What a complete waste of a legal education." Carson shook her head. "What a stupid thing to do." "If he's that stupid, he probably shouldn't be practicing law." "True," Carson agreed. "But still." "I know But at least that's one less potential future conservative judge we'll have to worry about. Kids like him with the ties he has, you can see his future in politics a mile away." "What about kids like you, who didn't have ties," Carson teased. "Babe, you and I both know I wouldn't be in the place I'm in, if I weren't gay." "But ---" "No, come on now, you know it's true." "I guess," Carson grudgingly admitted. "It's all about connections, and that's my connection, even if I never intended to exploit it. They came to me, but none of us are in this without an agenda, even me." "Hmmmm." Carson frowned, tapping one toe in agitation against the rough cement steps. "I hate to think of you as having an agenda." She sighed. "Everyone who runs for political office has one, Carson. Just, some people have good ones, and some bad. I'd like to think I have good intentions." "Oh, you do." Carson felt badly at her unintended implications. "I didn't mean to imply you were a game-player. Just -- when you put it in the terms you just did, it all sounds so insidious." Kennedy laughed lightly. "Yeah, I guess it does. But really, an agenda is simply a plan, be it a good one or a bad one. If I win, I have plans for what I'll do with my time in the House. And I have a much bigger, longer plan, now that we've been through this." "What's that?" Carson shucked the rest of her clothes and slid all the way into the water, up to her shoulders. "I plan to not become a career politician. And if this night ends early enough, I plan to take you up to that hotel room and let you have your way with me." "Ooo, I like both of those plans a lot." Something tugged at Carson's thoughts again, and she sighed. "K, I'm not supposed to tell you this, but I think I probably should. Your family's going to be at the hotel tonight." "What? I told them this is no big deal. All of them?" "All of them, even the babies." A wasp dipped into the water near Carson, too close for comfort, and she skittered to the other side of the pool wall. "And you just try getting your parents to think of this as no big deal. I've seen all those pictures on the hallway walls at their house. Your father's so proud of you, he's about to bust. Your mom went out and bought a new camera, just for tonight - one that takes still shots and video." "Ai-yi-yi." "Honey," Carson's voice grew softer. "When I said all of the family, I meant all of the family." "I know. Hey, no worries. It'll be great to see them. Are they staying at the house? The kids love bunking in the barn loft." "Yes, and listen to me." Carson closed her eyes. "All of them will be there. All of them." "I heard you, Carson." Kennedy's voice sounded perplexed. "Like I said, no worries. I -- oh. Pete." "Yeah." Carson mentally cringed, waiting. "How'd that happen?" "He called me this morning and asked if he could come. I guess he's been in touch with Parker and Parker told him what was going on. I didn't know how to say 'no' to him, K. He sounded so contrite." Carson sighed again. "I don't even want to beat him up anymore. Sounds like he's been through hell." "As it should be." Kennedy's voice was clipped. "You're pissed, aren't you?" "A little, yeah. Why didn't you or Parker see fit to ask me about it?" "I -- K --" Carson got out of the pool and grabbed a towel off the back of a deck chair, wrapping it around herself. "You won't talk about him. It's like he's dead or something." "After what he did, in a way, he is." "I'll call him and tell him not to come." Carson sat down in the deck chair to finish her Dr Pepper, the entire evening already ruined before it got started. "I'm sorry. I should've known better. I just thought -- never mind." What had she thought? That Kennedy was a better person than that? That the two siblings would just kiss and make up? For the first time since they'd met, Carson was truly disappointed in her partner. "Hey." Kennedy's voice mellowed, going low and slightly raspy. "Carson, it's okay. Just -- let it go. I'll deal." "No, I did this. I can undo it. I don't want to mess up your big night." "No. You did the right thing. How is he?" "Working. And taking time off from school." Carson took a deep breath, feeling the pain across the wireless waves between them. Somewhere beneath Kennedy's bitterness, the human being Carson knew lived there had surfaced. All was right with the world again. "You should talk to him tonight, if you get a chance." "He's working? Where? How did I not know this?" "Kennedy!" Carson threw up one hand in exasperation, then laughed lightly, allowing the smile in her voice to come through, cushioning her words. "You didn't ask. You haven't picked up the phone once to call him, or sent a single e-mail. Just talk to him. I think you'll be surprised. I know I was." "Alright. Well, I'm almost home. You ready to hit the shower with me?" "How'd you know I need a shower?" Carson made her way inside the house. "Heard the corral gate squeak and heard you getting in and out of the pool. Figured you probably smell like horses and chlorine." Carson laughed in delighted wonder. "You're amazing. And dead on accurate. Come scrub me down, babe. I'll be waiting." "Rub a dub dub." Kennedy's voice softened. "Hey, Carson. No worries about Pete, okay? It'll be fine." "Well, I figured with your whole family there, you wouldn't have the pressure of having to spend every minute with him, that it would give you a chance to ease your way into talking to him." "You're a smart woman. One of the many reasons I fell in love with you. Hey, what are you wearing tonight?" "Hmmmm. Guess you'll just have to wait and see, won't you? See you in a few." "Hey! Carson --" "Love you. Bye." Carson laughed wickedly, and disconnected the call. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "You ready for this?" Kennedy pulled up to the Driskill Hotel's valet station. "Yes." Carson reached across, touching her arm. "Are you?" "Not sure, so I'm glad one of us is." Kennedy briefly touched Carson's cheek, then turned, opening the truck door and handing her keys over to the parking attendant, and accepting the claim ticket, which she tucked into the front pocket of her suit jacket. Stepping out onto the pavement, she briefly brushed her hands across the tops of her slacks, as the long, tailored legs fell into place, just grazing the tops of a pair of freshly-polished black dress boots. It was hot, and she was glad most hotel ballrooms more than compensated for the heat outside. Turning, her breath caught momentarily, getting an eye-full of Carson's mostly-bare back as another attendant helped her out of the truck. It was a daring little number, a long, royal blue dress that dipped extremely low in the back, hugging Carson's waist before it flared out slightly at the hips. The skirt had a few layers and the entire dress had an undertone of silvery shimmer to it. The front was fairly simple, with a curving neckline that showed just a hint of cleavage, the entire thing held up only by a pair of very thin straps that clung to the very edges of Carson's shoulders. A pair of strappy silver sandals peeked out from beneath the hem of the dress, revealing ten iridescent pearl-tinted toenails. "You take my breath away," Kennedy murmured low, as she joined Carson, placing a protective hand at the small of her back as they made their way inside the hotel and up the stairs to the second-floor ballroom. Their state trooper contingent followed behind at a discreet pace, then passed them and faded into the ballroom to keep watch for the evening. "Thanks, you look pretty gorgeous yourself." Carson smiled up at her, and Kennedy brushed one thumb against bare skin, guiding Carson along a long marble hallway toward the sound of a band playing. The hotel was busy, with numerous people coming and going from various rooms, and wait-staff bustling about with carts of trays and buckets of champagne. "Any more text messages from Parker?" "Oh, let me check." Kennedy retrieved her Treo and studied it. "Flat tire fixed. They were just outside Fredericksburg when he sent that, about an hour ago. I told him to swing on by the house and shower first if he needs to." "Ugh." Carson made a face. "Changing a tire on that huge van in this heat. Poor thing." "Poor Katie, entertaining five kids by the road side," Kennedy added. "And your folks, they'll probably all need baths. Good thing we have two bathrooms." Carson stepped aside for a harried woman wearing a hotel uniform and carrying a bucket and a mop. "Three. Don't forget the pool house, though I told Mama and Pa to use that one. If the kids see the pool, it'll be all over before they get started. I told them to take their time. Not like we won't be here until midnight. They have their clothes all ready to change into when they get here anyway. I'm just sorry I couldn't wait to meet them and have them follow us down here." Kennedy paused just outside the ballroom, taking a deep, visible breath. "I know they understand. Here." Carson tugged at Kennedy's sleeve, until the taller woman faced her. Reaching up, she straightened Kennedy's collar and brushed one errant strand of hair out of her eyes. "You look very congressional." "Is that a good thing?" Kennedy laughed lightly. "How about you look hot?" Carson smiled cheekily. "Hmmmm. I don't know." Kennedy ran a fingertip along Carson's neckline. "I don't think anyone's going to be looking at me." "You are so wrong." Carson blushed anyway, a slight chill working its way through her as a fingernail grazed her skin. "Looks like I managed to leave my mark out of sight." Kennedy hooked the finger around a bit of material, peering studiously between Carson's breasts before her hand was playfully slapped away. "Stop it, before someone with a camera catches us. Shall we?" She held out her hand and Kennedy offered over an arm. Carson wrapped her hand around it and they stepped across the threshold into what must have been the biggest party of the year in Austin. "I am soooo glad we're not Republicans." Carson snagged a cold long-neck from an iced-down bucket, and was promptly offered a frosted mug from a waiter, who took the beer from her and poured it up. "Thank you." The waiter handed her the mug, nodded graciously, and scurried away. "True. I do believe this is probably a little less stuffy than the party across town." The band cued up again, playing a raucous dance number, and the dance floor filled with women and men gyrating to a popular line dance. "I hear it's strictly ballroom over there." "Ick." Carson took a sip of beer as they meandered through the crowd. "Though I have very fond memories of waltzing with you." "In a gay honky-tonk," Kennedy reminded her. "Well, yes, there is that," Carson amiably agreed. "Are we going to have a band at our wedding reception?" "I think we should." Kennedy nodded at a few familiar faces and kept moving, steering them toward the front of the room where there were supposed to be some reserved tables. "Good. I'd like to dance with you in our wedding outfits." Carson smiled, giving Kennedy's arm a squeeze. "Though I'm having a tough time picturing you looking any finer than you do right now." "You're a flatterer," Kennedy brushed off the compliment with a smile, just as a wolf whistle rang out and she looked across to spot Heidi coming toward them. "Hey, Heidi." "Shea! Carson! Good lord, you two women are dressed to kill. Come on over. Everyone from the office is at a table over in the corner there, and the one next to it is reserved for your family when they get here." Heidi motioned them through a small throng of press people, and a strobe of flashing lights commenced. "You'd think you were the only candidate to arrive here tonight," Carson commented. "I'm the only gay candidate with the best-looking woman in the room on my arm," Kennedy retorted. "I do believe they're getting more shots of your ass than my face, babe. Not that I blame them." "Yikes!" Carson absently reached behind herself, smoothing her dress. "I think I'll sit down, now." Kennedy chuckled and held out a chair for her. "Don't pull up too close to the table. I'll probably be introducing you to a string of people tonight." "Fine. I'll stand after I have another beer." Carson motioned to a waiter passing by, who promptly disappeared and returned with another frosty mug. "Chip's been looking for you." Heidi sipped from a glass of sparkling water. "I think he said in another hour they'll be introducing all the Democratic candidates and their spouses." "Well, I'm here." Kennedy retrieved her Treo and called up a few notes she'd made. "And what I have that passes for a speech is here." She placed the phone back at her belt. "Victory speech?" Heidi grinned. "Introduction speech, victory speech, and concession speech." Kennedy accepted a glass of water from a wait person. "Gracias." "I should have known you'd be fully-prepared, but I don't think you're going to need the concession speech." Heidi looked around. "This is amazing. I can't imagine what it must be like during a presidential election year." "I'm not sure I want to find out," Kennedy commented. The room was packed, the music a little too loud, and the temperature cold, as she'd expected it to be. She glanced over at Carson, who was rubbing her arms. "Hey." Kennedy was at her side in a moment, removing her jacket. "Here." She wrapped it around Carson's shoulders. "Thanks." Carson looked up. "I left my shawl in the back seat of the truck." "You want me to go get it?" Kennedy sat down next to her. "Not unless you need this jacket." Carson nudged Kennedy's leg with her own. "Nah. It feels good. Been in a suit all day at court already." She sat back and casually draped an arm across the back of Carson's chair. Now that she was there, it was surreal, watching all the people in the room mingling about. Some faces she recognized -- judges from the courthouse, others from some of the charity work she was involved in, and still others from television. The Austin political community was shaping up to be small and rather incestuous. Only the most elite members of the press corps had been admitted to the gala event, easily identified by the badges they wore and the camera persons following along behind them. Kennedy scrubbed at the side of her neck and tugged at her collar, already ready to go home. "Easy there, stud." Carson gave her leg a squeeze. "You've got about five more hours to go." "Excuse me, did you just call her 'stud'?" A reporter eased into their space, her smile way too perky. Carson removed her hand from Kennedy's leg. "I -- um ---" She blushed from her neckline to the roots of her hair. "If you're not sure what you heard, I don't guess you can put it in print, now can you?" Kennedy placed both hands on the table, pushing up to stand. "And if you put it in print and I win tonight, this will be the last interview you get with me. Ever." "I just thought it was cute." The reporter switched tactics, her smile broader. "And interesting." "Interesting? How so?" Kennedy turned the tables. "Come on, you say you found it interesting. Why?" "I -- um --" the reporter parroted Carson both with her words and an equally-deep flush across her cheeks. "Yes." Carson recovered. "You asked me what I called her. Why do you want to know?" Without a word, the reporter backed away and quickly disappeared back into the crowd. Kennedy took her seat again. "Sorry about that." "No, I should apologize." Carson shook her head. "I've got to be more careful." "Nothing to apologize for. Even if we are in a semi-public place, that was a private conversation. It was none of her business. I think we both made sure she understood that." Kennedy held up a hand. "Come on." Carson finally smiled and high-fived her. "You're ready to leave, aren't you?" "Would've been gone five minutes after we got here, if I had no obligation to stay." Kennedy sat back again, her arm once more across Carson's shoulders. "Events like this make me itch." "Maybe we can dance in a little while, after the introductions." Carson tipped her beer mug back, draining it. "You betcha." Kennedy rubbed a shoulder. "You want another beer? I'm holding off until after speeches and all, but there's no reason you need to restrain." "Except I've already had two and we've only been here an hour." Carson smiled ruefully. "Need to be careful, or I'll be weaving my way out of here, and we sure don't need that on camera." "True. Hey, there's my folks." Kennedy stood and Carson followed, as they met the entire Nocona clan halfway across the room. "Shea!" Aileen engulfed her daughter in a bear-hug. "I'm so proud of you!" "Hello. Oh." Carson found herself greeted equally by Joseph, who immediately grasped her left hand, studying the ring there. "Very pretty. Shea told me the story behind your rings. I'm glad you found them." "Me, too." Carson stood on tip-toes and kissed his cheek. "They're very special to us." "Hey, baby sis." Parker clapped Kennedy on the shoulder, while Nathan and Ryan danced around her legs. "Auntie Shea! Are you going to be president?" Nathan tugged at her sleeve, and she bent down to scoop him up. "Not in the plans at present, little man." She ruffled his hair and then looked over his shoulder toward Erin, who was standing back from the rest of the group. "Who's this gorgeous young woman?" Kennedy moved past her brother and parents, with Nathan and Ryan in tow. Erin was dressed in a pair of dark gray trousers with a silver silk blouse not unlike Kennedy's, tucked smartly into her waistband, which was secured with a black patent-leather belt. "Sharp." Kennedy smiled approvingly. "You think so?" Erin asked shyly. "I asked Mama what you were wearing and she said she'd call. I think she talked to Carson. I hope you don't mind being twins." "Oh, she did, did she?" Kennedy gave Erin a side-hug with her free arm. "And I don't mind at all. I'm proud to be in the company of such a good-looking crew. Hey, where's Katie and the babies?" "She has them in a double stroller. I think she stopped off at the ladies room to change diapers." Parker gestured toward the hallway outside. "Oh, I'll go help." Carson excused herself and headed for the door. "I've got a little surprise, if you decide you need it." Kennedy pulled Parker aside. "We've got a suite upstairs and I hired a sitter to look after the babies, if y'all need a break. I had a background check done on her and everything. She'll look after the other kids too, if they tucker out and need to crash up there. If you'd like, after this is over, Carson and I will take the kids and Mama and Pa back to the house, and you and Katie can have the suite for the night. It's paid up, whether it gets used or not. I'll leave you the 4Runner and we can take your van back to the house." "Oh, my god. You rock." Parker finally gave her a hug. "We haven't had a night alone since Katie moved in with y'all before the babies were born." "I figured." Kennedy winked at him. "Are you sure it's no trouble?" Parker led his brood toward the family table, following Kennedy and their parents. "Not at all. Carson and I love the kids, and Mama and Pa dote on them. Surely four adults can keep up with five children for one night." Kennedy reached the table and stepped aside so her family could find chairs. Just as they got settled, Katie and Carson appeared across the room, stroller in tow. "You know --" Parker leaned over conspiratorially toward his sister, his voice low. "No one can say the Nocona clan doesn't have good taste in women." "Wow." Kennedy followed his gaze. "You can say that again." "Uh-huh. What a vision." Parker whistled low, under his breath. Katie was very tan, a white sleeveless long dress gracefully draping her body, and her light brown hair swept up at the back of her head. With Carson next to her, every head in the room turned as they passed by. "Whoops." Kennedy laughed, as a waiter ran into a column while gawking at the two women. "That does not look like the mother of five children. My god, Parker, she looks better than she did before she got pregnant." "She says she's on the chase five kids around the house work-out plan." Parker chuckled. "While that's partly true, the other half of the truth is she was back in the gym the week after we brought the babies home. They have child-care there, so she just drops off the kids to play while she hits the weight circuit and the treadmill." "Well, whatever she's doing, it's working. We have got to be the two luckiest people in this room." "Yep. I was about to say that Carson is a truly beautiful woman." Parker cuffed his sister on the arm. "You look happy." "I am." Kennedy smiled. "Despite the stress of the campaign and work and everything else, it's been a good year. I like being part of a couple." "It suits you," Parker agreed with her. "She looks happy, too." "So does Katie." Kennedy glanced over at her parents. With Nathan on his lap, her father was leaning over, whispering something in their mother's ear. Aileen laughed, her entire face lighting up at whatever he had said, and she leaned into him, patting him on the arm. "I think we had a pretty good example, didn't we?" Parker followed her gaze. "That, we did. By the way, did Carson tell you that --" "Pete?" Kennedy cut him off. "Yeah. No sign of him, though. I guess all the good examples in the world can't help some people." "Shea, can I say something?" Parker turned, fully facing her. "Like I could stop you." Kennedy crossed her arms. "What?" "Have you stopped to think about what you were like at his age? What I was like?" Parker tilted his head to the side. "Yeah, I have." Kennedy pursed her lips inward. "I was at the college of Santa Fe on full academic scholarship. I worked two jobs, got straight A's, and managed to keep a steady girlfriend the entire time. What's your point?" "And you also got drunk every weekend and smoked pot like a fiend, if I recall," Parker gently reminded her. "True," Kennedy acquiesced. "But I never left two members of my own family for dead in the wilderness or got mixed up with human-trafficking mob bosses." "But --" "You bring up Angela, and I swear, Parker, I will pop you in the mouth right here in front of god and everybody. It's not the same thing. That was an accident. What Pete did was deliberate." She was shaking, well-aware of a few cameras closing in. "Hey." Parker touched her arm, steering her away from curious eyes toward the balcony outside. Closing the doors, he turned to face her. "I wouldn't dream of bringing up Angela in any type of comparison to Pete's actions. All I was going to say is, you haven't talked to him in almost a year. At least hear him out before you write him off." "Alright. I can do that much, I guess." Kennedy felt her nerves begin to settle, and moved in next to him, leaning against the wide, round railing and looking out at the lights of the city. "Sorry I jumped your case in there." "It's okay." He circled her shoulders, giving her a squeeze. "It's probably been a crazy few months, huh?" "That would be an understatement. There's a kid is probably going to prison because of my stupid campaign." Kennedy turned, facing him. "What? What happened?" "Long story, but some stupid students broke into our house a few nights ago." She sighed. "Suffice it to say, for now, that those state troopers circling the room in there are here for me and Carson. They weren't hired by the campaign." "Whoa." Parker's eyes widened. "Are you two okay?" "Fine, as always." Kennedy managed a smile and turned, as Chip found her and joined them. "There you are." He frowned at Kennedy, then held out a hand to Parker. "Chip Matthews. You must be Kennedy's brother." "Parker Nocona." Parker shook his hand. "Kennedy, we're getting ready to introduce all the candidates. We need you inside." Chip motioned toward the ball room. "Okay." She tugged at Parker's sleeve. "Come on and watch the dog and pony show. Then I'll buy you a drink, bro." "Drinks are free." Parker laughed.

"Not in the bar downstairs, they aren't." Kennedy grinned, ducking inside the door as Chip held it open for them. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ As they entered the room again, Kennedy spotted Carson sitting next to her mother, each of them holding one of the babies. "My nieces!" She passed Chip and made a beeline for the table. "Kennedy, they're waiting," Chip fretted. "Let 'em wait." She reached down. "May I?" Carson handed over the baby she was holding. "This is Rory, the second-born twin." Their eyes met and Kennedy eagerly took the baby in her arms, rocking her a little. She had a shock of red, curly hair, and her eyes were the same bright blue as Aileen, Kennedy, and Parker's eyes. "Hello." Kennedy smiled and tickled her under the chin. Rory giggled and kicked her little feet, reaching out and grabbing a handful of Kennedy's hair. "Ouch!" Kennedy carefully uncurled Rory's fingers and pushed her hair back over her shoulder, out of the way. "They look just like you, Mama." "Yes," Aileen nodded in agreement. "Now Nathan and I aren't the only red-heads in the family. We've caught up." "If we have kids, we won't know what we'll get, will we?" Carson grinned. "Could be blonde, brunette, or redhead, huh?" "Um --" Kennedy tilted her head in question, wondering if Carson had forgotten she wanted to adopt. The evening was too busy, and she decided to tuck her questions away for later. Much, much later. "True," she finally agreed. "Kennedy, come on." Chip tugged at her arm. "Carson, too." "Oh, alright." Reluctantly, she handed Rory over to Katie and held out a hand to Carson, who stood and fluffed out her skirt and her bangs, then twined their fingers and gave Kennedy's hand a firm squeeze. Kennedy looked over at her and winked, then guided her through the crowd as the followed Chip to the nearby stage, where the other candidates and their spouses were already gathered. The chairman of the Travis County Democratic Party, Benjamin Jones, took the stage and tapped the microphone, successfully getting the attention of most of the people in the room, save a few revelers in the very back who continued to laugh and talk low. "Ladies and gentlemen, it is now seven p.m., and the polls have officially closed. Returns are starting to trickle in, and I expect in another hour, the Republicans will be packing up and going home for two years." A deafening cheer rang out and Kennedy glanced up at a lighted up marquee on the side wall. Statistics for various counties were rolling past and she watched it for a moment, not seeing any from her own precinct just yet, then focused her attention back on the stage. The speaker's words rolled over her, his accolades for the history of the Democratic Party not high on her list of interesting topics. So she studied the parquet-wood dance floor they stood on, and the marble columns that supported the roof, and finally focused on the steady, sure hand she held onto. Carson was radiant, her face turned politely toward the stage, her chest rising and falling slightly with her breathing. Unconsciously, she brushed the back of Kennedy's hand with her thumb, and Kennedy took a moment to simply enjoy the contact. After a few shy starts, they'd quickly become comfortable with the more basic forms of public displays of affection, and it was second nature now to hold hands, or walk arm in arm, or to casually touch each other in public. Hugs were plentiful and even quick pecks on the lips, though they both refrained from out and out kissing in public, unless they were at some all-lesbian event where that was the norm. Still, it was a little strange to be standing where they were, holding hands just like all the other political candidates and their husbands and wives and significant others. The only difference was that they were the only same-sex couple waiting to step up to the podium. And yet -- Kennedy realized with something of a shock -- once everyone got used to seeing them at various events, they'd been treated just like any other couple, for the most part, at least as far as the other politicians and their spouses were concerned. She smiled, a sudden and simple peace settling over her. No matter what happened by the end of the evening, whether she went home as a new member of the Texas House or not, she tasted another and perhaps more important victory. The press might still be treating them as a novelty, but to most of the regular people she'd been dealing with, she'd become transparent as a lesbian. She was just another political candidate -- an attorney engaged to be married to the person she loved. In that way, she had already won -- she'd helped several key players in the Austin political cog see her as just another person with ideas. Even as she waited, she noticed one of the wives sidling up to Carson, exchanging a few low words before Carson smiled and opened the small evening purse she carried, retrieving a mirror and offering it over. The other woman held it up and glanced in it, pressed her lips together as if blotting freshly-applied lipstick, and then handed the mirror back to Carson, smiling and patting her on the arm, murmuring what appeared to be a 'thank you' before she rejoined her husband a few feet away. Kennedy didn't think of Carson as 'the wife' in their partnership. It wasn't like that with them. Neither of them identified as either butch or femme, but rather somewhere in the middle. They were equals -- partners -- and to borrow a very old cliché, both capable of wearing, sharing, or exchanging the pants in the family, depending upon the situation. On this night, Kennedy was in the pants suit and Carson was in the evening dress. Neither one had told the other what to wear, or had any expectations as to the others' attire. On another day, she might be the one in a suit skirt and Carson the one in slacks. But in that small exchange with the other woman was a similar victory for Carson -another woman who saw her not as 'that lesbian,' but as a comrade. Carson had become another woman who could be turned to for a favor; she was no longer a novelty among the other wives and girlfriends. Both Kennedy and Carson, each in their own way, had already won what was often a difficult victory. Kennedy bent over, whispering in Carson's ear, "I'm glad I don't have to stand up there alone." Carson turned, her eyes warm, as a smile slowly lit up her face. "Never." Her hand slipped out of Kennedy's and she wrapped her arm around Kennedy's waist. Kennedy faced the stage once more, as she draped her arm across Carson's shoulders. The chairman had already begun introducing candidates, each of which then took the stand and briefly introduced their spouses. Kennedy was glad she was paying attention, as her name came up next. Dropping her hand down to the small of Carson's back, they both made their way up the few steps to the elevated platform, and Kennedy adjusted the mic for her height. "Hi. I'm Kennedy Nocona, and as Mr. Jones said, I'm running for the seat in the Texas House, district forty-eight." She paused for a surprisingly loud scattering of applause. "This lovely lady beside me is my fiancé, Carson Garret, and over at that table is the rest of my family, my parents, Joseph and Aileen Nocona, my brother Parker and his wife, Katie, and my nieces and nephews, Erin, Ryan, Nathan, Darby, and Rory." At that moment, she noticed a lone figure leaning against the wall behind Joseph, staring a bit too long, she took a breath and glanced at Carson, whose eyes grew suddenly wide, then continued, "And my brother, Peta. I'd like to thank everyone here for their support this past year, and especially my family and particularly Carson. Without them, there would be no reason for me to be standing up here tonight. Thank you." She waved and left the stage to more applause, helping Carson back down the steps. "I didn't see him sneak in," Carson commented. "Me neither." Kennedy guided them through a maze of press people, stopping for a few photographers along the way. She kept a smile plastered on her face, though inside, her guts were roiling. She'd promised her father she'd talk to Pete. That had been a year ago. It wasn't that she'd broken the promise exactly. What she'd promised, in actuality, was to talk to Pete if that was what Pete wanted. But time had passed with neither sibling making contact with the other, and Kennedy had been able to tell herself that Pete had changed his mind. Now that she had seen him, even from twenty yards away, there was a part of her that wanted to run. Another, more practical side, wanted to pick up a chair and knock him across the room, for more reasons than one. The reporters finally cleared the way for them, and Kennedy started toward her family, when Carson pulled her aside, leading her instead in the other direction, back to the balcony outside. As Carson closed the doors on the buzz of noise from inside, Kennedy chuckled. "I'm beginning to feel like this balcony is my second office." She made her way to a corner and leaned against the railing. "Cooler than it was earlier," Carson commented quietly. "Thank goodness." "Yeah." Kennedy continued to study the lights of the city and the people passing on the sidewalk below them. She felt Carson's hand cover one of her own, and without looking at Carson, she turned it, palm up, accepting what she knew was a peace offering. "You don't have to talk to him, if you don't want to." Carson bit her lower lip. "I know. But I think I probably should." Kennedy finally looked over at Carson, and offered a crooked smile, her own olive branch. "Why tonight and why here? Why couldn't he just come out to the house and see me?" "I think here was less scary -- he can escape more easily. At the house, he can't get lost in a crowd," Carson suggested. "With my family there? Add a few more babies, and it will be a crowd," Kennedy struggled for levity. "Which I would love to discuss, by the way, given your comment about hair color a while ago, but I'm not sure how much more I can wrap my brain around in one night." "Why don't we table the baby discussion for oh, another three or four years?" Carson leaned against Kennedy, nuzzling her shoulder before she lay her head against it. "Works for me." A warmish breeze brushed across Kennedy's face and puffed up her bangs. She swallowed and sighed deeply. "He's wearing dress blues, isn't he?" "Yeah." Carson answered softly, her voice choking a little. "He made me promise not to tell you. I told him that he'd best do it then, or I would. I guess the uniform is his way of letting you know." "Do my folks know?" Kennedy looked down at the railing, gripping and releasing it a few times with her unoccupied hand. "I think he told them right before he called Parker and me. I assume he asked them not to tell you, either." Carson made an unhappy face. "My understanding is that he just finished basic training." "And then where does he go?" She almost couldn't bear to think it, much less say it, but it was there and so she took a deep breath. "Afghanistan? Iraq?" "Not sure." Carson rubbed her own arms and Kennedy offered over her jacket again. "He didn't say much other than telling me he'd enlisted in the Army." "My mother doesn't need that kind of worry." Kennedy shook her head. "Pa either, for that matter." "Yeah," Carson agreed quietly. "I thought of them as soon as he told me. Right after I thought of you, that is." "That why you and Parker were encouraging me to talk to him?" "Yes." Carson looked up at her, her expression one of earnest concern. "Despite what he's done to you -- to us -- if something were to happen to him --" Carson trailed off. "I don't know if I could bear to watch you live with that kind of regret." Kennedy closed her eyes, all anger at her brother and partner dissipated. "I'm so sorry." She reached over, placing a hand against Carson's back. "I thought you and Parker were ganging up on me, and I couldn't figure out why. Especially from you. I should've known there was a reason." "I know," Carson answered shakily. "And it was killing me. I almost told you anyway, even though I promised I'd give him a chance to do it first. Makes me want to kick his scrawny little ass for driving even a small wedge between you and me." "I'd pay good money to watch that." Kennedy laughed lightly. "And for the record, my money would be on you." "God!" Carson raked all ten fingers back through her hair. "He just makes me so mad, K. What he did to us. The things he said to you back at Thanksgiving. I know you and Parker had your problems growing up, but then I look at Pete, and I can't even see how he can be from the same family. Please tell me you were never as selfish as he is. Even this Army stunt -- I hope he's sincere, but I can't help but think it's just a way to re-gain your parents' complete sympathy." "Maybe," Kennedy agreed with her. "But whatever his motive, he's in it now. Once you sign on the line and put on that uniform, you have to serve your time. Maybe it will make a man out of him, if he doesn't get his fool head blown off first. Well --" She reluctantly pushed off the railing and turned around. "I guess I should go in there and drag him out here and get it over with." "No matter how much you want to, don't toss him over the side, K." Carson patted her arm. "You know you'd have my full support, but I don't think starting your term in the House behind bars would get things off on the right foot." Kennedy laughed then, long and loud. "Okay. I'll just rough him up a little. How's that?" "Oh. Please do." Carson grinned wickedly. "And then get your butt back inside and dance with me." "Ooo. Incentive to make the talk short and sweet." Kennedy started to reach for the balcony door, when it flew open. "Chip?" "Results for your precinct are about to be announced." Chip motioned them both inside. "I can hardly stand it!" Kennedy and Carson looked at each other, then back at Chip. "Be there in a second." Kennedy shooed him back inside. "Lord. With everything else, I almost forgot why I was here." "Me, too." Carson took her hand. "Come on, honey. Let's go play political couple and then I think we both deserve a drink." "Amen, sistah, amen." Kennedy held the door for her, then squared her shoulders and followed. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Continued in Chapter 20

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